Elizabeth Bell, who was in the home at the time of the fire, told firefighters she had set down a cigarette on top of her desk and went to the bathroom. Once she returned the fire had started.

Although the fire is still under investigation, it is thought that Bell's cigarette was probably the cause, Carter said.

Bell and her dog were able to exit the home before the fire grew, and went to her next door neighbor's home.

Bell's neighbor, 64-year-old Jesus Duran, noticed heavy smoke as he was driving up the alley behind his and Bell's home, he said. Initially he thought she was burning leaves, but then the flames became too intense.

He grabbed a hose and sprayed his wall down as he noticed the fire inching closer, he said. Then turned to Bell's home.

His bathroom window, which is closest to where the fire started, cracked.

At about 1:15 p.m., firefighters had the fire under control.

There were no injuries.

The back of the home sustained heavy fire damage, but the front was just blackened from the smoke.

The house was not a total loss, Carter said. However, Bell won't be able to stay there for a while.

Reach Almendra Carpizo at 896-7760, acarpizo@chicoer.com, or on Twitter @almendracarpizo.